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All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life
Half way is no way to live! Quit holding back.
Quit holding out. It’s time to go all in and all out for God.
If Jesus hung on His cross for us, the least we can do is carry our cross for Him. And the good news is this: If you don’t hold out on God, God won’t hold out on you. In reality, no one has ever truly sacrificed anything for God because the eternal reward always outweighs the temporal discomfort. Kneeling at the foot of the cross of Christ and surrendering to His lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.
All In is filled with Mark Batterson’s unique and unforgettable stories, as well as compelling accounts of biblical characters, like Shamgar, Elisha, Jonathan, and even Judas, who will challenge you to surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Batterson writes, “When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater privilege than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal. Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.”
Quit holding out. It’s time to go all in and all out for God.
If Jesus hung on His cross for us, the least we can do is carry our cross for Him. And the good news is this: If you don’t hold out on God, God won’t hold out on you. In reality, no one has ever truly sacrificed anything for God because the eternal reward always outweighs the temporal discomfort. Kneeling at the foot of the cross of Christ and surrendering to His lordship is a radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King. Nothing belongs to you. Not even you.
All In is filled with Mark Batterson’s unique and unforgettable stories, as well as compelling accounts of biblical characters, like Shamgar, Elisha, Jonathan, and even Judas, who will challenge you to surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Batterson writes, “When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater privilege than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal. Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.”
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First published August 24, 2013
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About the author
Mark Batterson
188 books1,129 followersMark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
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September 8, 2014
The subtitle of this book is "You are one decision away from a totally different life." The decision? To go "all in" with God, holding nothing back. Author Mark Batterson breaks this down to not just "all in" but going "all out" for our "all in all" in an "all or nothing" way.
Brief anecdotes (personal, friends, historical and biblical) illustrate the book's central theme that God is calling Christians to more than we may realize. Many of us have settled for less. We're "in" the Kingdom, but not "all in." Just far enough to get bored, perhaps, and not far enough to find the challenges and fulfillment—the life abundant—that Christ intends for us.
My copy of All In is tagged with sticky notes of quotable lines. Mark Batterson was a preacher before becoming a published writer, and he has a gift for pithy one-liners. Here are some of my favourites, to give you an idea of the content:
Mark Batterson is very persuasive in his presentation, and I found myself bracing against this. I guess I don't really trust persuasive people, but I read this book carefully and prayerfully and did not find anything to raise a warning. Instead, I found clear teaching calling readers out of a half-lived life into full engagement with God. And I found some personally-applicable life lessons.
The author does have the common speakers' drawback of repeating certain pet phrases, which is a plus for listeners and a minus for readers. What surprised me was the recurring use of gambling imagery: pushing chips to the middle of the table, folding, putting cards face-up etc. Even the title, All In, has a gambling connotation as well as the one I originally understood it to mean.
This book seems mostly aimed at Christians, and I'm afraid that those who reject gambling will reject the message of this book, when they might otherwise have benefited.
Mark Batterson serves as Lead Pastor at Washington DC's National Community Church. He's the author of the best-selling The Circle Maker and other books. For more on the author, you can visit his website: Mark Batterson.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
Brief anecdotes (personal, friends, historical and biblical) illustrate the book's central theme that God is calling Christians to more than we may realize. Many of us have settled for less. We're "in" the Kingdom, but not "all in." Just far enough to get bored, perhaps, and not far enough to find the challenges and fulfillment—the life abundant—that Christ intends for us.
My copy of All In is tagged with sticky notes of quotable lines. Mark Batterson was a preacher before becoming a published writer, and he has a gift for pithy one-liners. Here are some of my favourites, to give you an idea of the content:
Instead of dissecting Scripture, we need to let Scripture dissect us. p. 39
Our prayers tend to focus on external circumstances more than internal attitudes because we'd rather have God change our circumstances than change us. p. 119
When we take matters into our own hands, we take God out of the equation. p. 137
Mark Batterson is very persuasive in his presentation, and I found myself bracing against this. I guess I don't really trust persuasive people, but I read this book carefully and prayerfully and did not find anything to raise a warning. Instead, I found clear teaching calling readers out of a half-lived life into full engagement with God. And I found some personally-applicable life lessons.
The author does have the common speakers' drawback of repeating certain pet phrases, which is a plus for listeners and a minus for readers. What surprised me was the recurring use of gambling imagery: pushing chips to the middle of the table, folding, putting cards face-up etc. Even the title, All In, has a gambling connotation as well as the one I originally understood it to mean.
This book seems mostly aimed at Christians, and I'm afraid that those who reject gambling will reject the message of this book, when they might otherwise have benefited.
Mark Batterson serves as Lead Pastor at Washington DC's National Community Church. He's the author of the best-selling The Circle Maker and other books. For more on the author, you can visit his website: Mark Batterson.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
October 9, 2024
I liked the message of this book. However, I felt that it could have been a blog post rather than a full length book. It felt pretty repetitive to me. I would say still worth the read since the message itself is worth it.
Another issue I had was that there was not a lot of Biblical quotes. The notes did have the Bible sections for the stories the author reference, which were a lot. However, I don’t feel that there was enough explanation of the Biblical passages so much as just extracting frim the story. I would rather have a train of thought to follow, rather than having to do all that on my own. (Not that I don’t study the Bible on my own, but it helps when the authors explain how they got where they did.) In any case, I prefer Christian non-fiction to have more Biblical references and interaction included.
The third issue resulting in my rating is that the tone of the writing feels harsh. I felt like the author was yelling at me the whole time which made it difficult for me to pick it up again in the beginning. While, I did appreciate what the author was sharing, I do wish the language felt more grace-giving rather than shame-inducing.
Another issue I had was that there was not a lot of Biblical quotes. The notes did have the Bible sections for the stories the author reference, which were a lot. However, I don’t feel that there was enough explanation of the Biblical passages so much as just extracting frim the story. I would rather have a train of thought to follow, rather than having to do all that on my own. (Not that I don’t study the Bible on my own, but it helps when the authors explain how they got where they did.) In any case, I prefer Christian non-fiction to have more Biblical references and interaction included.
The third issue resulting in my rating is that the tone of the writing feels harsh. I felt like the author was yelling at me the whole time which made it difficult for me to pick it up again in the beginning. While, I did appreciate what the author was sharing, I do wish the language felt more grace-giving rather than shame-inducing.
July 11, 2013
The Gospel cost NOTHING, but it demands EVERYTHING. It's all or nothing. If Jesus is not LORD OF ALL, then He is not Lord at all.
Mark Batterson is definitely one of my all time favorite authors. His writing challenges me to push for more, to not settle for what I'm already doing. His books always seem to find themselves in my hands at the most perfect times and minister to me in the ways I need to be ministered to.
If you have ever felt like your sacrifice is not so much what Jesus was asking from you, but it was your obedience, this book is for you. If you wonder how God asks for everything we have, yet promises to give us everything that He has, this book is for you. Be compelled to not just live your life but live it for the purpose it was given. As Batterson says, " Jesus didn't die just to keep us safe. he died to MAKE US DANGEROUS."
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review from Booksneeze.
Mark Batterson is definitely one of my all time favorite authors. His writing challenges me to push for more, to not settle for what I'm already doing. His books always seem to find themselves in my hands at the most perfect times and minister to me in the ways I need to be ministered to.
If you have ever felt like your sacrifice is not so much what Jesus was asking from you, but it was your obedience, this book is for you. If you wonder how God asks for everything we have, yet promises to give us everything that He has, this book is for you. Be compelled to not just live your life but live it for the purpose it was given. As Batterson says, " Jesus didn't die just to keep us safe. he died to MAKE US DANGEROUS."
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review from Booksneeze.
August 14, 2013
All In, is Mark Batterson’s newest book which will be released on September 24, 2013. Batterson is the Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and is the author of numerous books.
All In is a challenge to truly follow Jesus with all you have and all you are. All In has been compared to Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and David Platt’s Follow Me, but I find that Batterson’s writing style makes it quite a different offering. All In leans more towards the style of a storytelling pastor/preacher.
The book is divided into five sections: Now or Never, All In, All Out, All in All, and All or Nothing. From front to back the book is calling out “followers of Jesus” to really examine whether or not they are followers at all. Is there anything stopping us from fully surrendering our entire lives to the lordship and leadership of God? Are my dreams His dreams? Are my plans His plans? Is my heart fully consecrated to Him?
What I appreciated the most from this book was the unrelenting call to die to self and to cross the line of faith to give all my hopes, dreams, plans, and heart to God. To truly be a disciple is to go “all in”, and Batterson does a great job asking tough questions and sharing inspirational stories of those who have gone “all in”.
One thought I found incredibly challenging was on how I view the dreams and gifts God gives me. Here is what Batterson says: “…if the gift ever becomes more important than the Gift Giver, then the very thing God gave you to serve His purposes is undermining His plan for your life…Which do you love more: the dream God gave to you or the God who gave you the dream?” (p. 42-43). I can absolutely see how we (I) can become so enamored by God’s gifts (ministries) and dreams that if God ever decided to take those from me, my love for them could potentially cloud or overshadow my love and obedience to Him. Again, is my heart fully His?
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“I’m afraid we’ve cheapened the gospel by allowing people to buy in without selling out. We’ve made it too convenient, too comfortable” (p. 18).
“I know some people who have been saved for twenty-five years, but they don’t have twenty-five years of experience. They have one year of experience repeated twenty-five times” (p. 40).
“There comes a moment in our lives when enough is enough. The pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change” (p. 81).
If you are looking to have your faith challenged, or maybe God is already challenging you and calling you to take a huge step of faith, Batterson’s new book will be a great read.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
BLOG: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
TWITTER: @jonstephensNY
All In is a challenge to truly follow Jesus with all you have and all you are. All In has been compared to Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and David Platt’s Follow Me, but I find that Batterson’s writing style makes it quite a different offering. All In leans more towards the style of a storytelling pastor/preacher.
The book is divided into five sections: Now or Never, All In, All Out, All in All, and All or Nothing. From front to back the book is calling out “followers of Jesus” to really examine whether or not they are followers at all. Is there anything stopping us from fully surrendering our entire lives to the lordship and leadership of God? Are my dreams His dreams? Are my plans His plans? Is my heart fully consecrated to Him?
What I appreciated the most from this book was the unrelenting call to die to self and to cross the line of faith to give all my hopes, dreams, plans, and heart to God. To truly be a disciple is to go “all in”, and Batterson does a great job asking tough questions and sharing inspirational stories of those who have gone “all in”.
One thought I found incredibly challenging was on how I view the dreams and gifts God gives me. Here is what Batterson says: “…if the gift ever becomes more important than the Gift Giver, then the very thing God gave you to serve His purposes is undermining His plan for your life…Which do you love more: the dream God gave to you or the God who gave you the dream?” (p. 42-43). I can absolutely see how we (I) can become so enamored by God’s gifts (ministries) and dreams that if God ever decided to take those from me, my love for them could potentially cloud or overshadow my love and obedience to Him. Again, is my heart fully His?
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“I’m afraid we’ve cheapened the gospel by allowing people to buy in without selling out. We’ve made it too convenient, too comfortable” (p. 18).
“I know some people who have been saved for twenty-five years, but they don’t have twenty-five years of experience. They have one year of experience repeated twenty-five times” (p. 40).
“There comes a moment in our lives when enough is enough. The pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change” (p. 81).
If you are looking to have your faith challenged, or maybe God is already challenging you and calling you to take a huge step of faith, Batterson’s new book will be a great read.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
BLOG: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
TWITTER: @jonstephensNY
January 7, 2015
I love reading anything by Mark Batterson. I am always pushed to believe God for more in my life and to be more bold and sacrificial with my life. "All In" is filled with challenges stories and profound insights on biblical narratives that will cause you to consider wether you have truly gone "all in and all out" for the sake of the kingdom. All of Batterson's books are encouraging, inspirational reads for me and this one was no exception.
April 23, 2015
The Pain of Change
This book is a game changer.
My mentor suggested it and now I know why. You can't honestly read this book on going all in for God and be the same. It helps to get past the lies we tell ourselves and onto the truth of the state of our relationship with Him.
I highly recommend it for those whose faith is at a standstill or who want to understand the depth of God's commitment to us and how he longs to be loved in return.
This book is a game changer.
My mentor suggested it and now I know why. You can't honestly read this book on going all in for God and be the same. It helps to get past the lies we tell ourselves and onto the truth of the state of our relationship with Him.
I highly recommend it for those whose faith is at a standstill or who want to understand the depth of God's commitment to us and how he longs to be loved in return.
February 24, 2018
At times messy and repetitive (of itself & his other books), and I am tempted to question some of Batterson's theology (minors, not majors), but I found this very moving & convicting. I want to be all in for Christ.
I was listening to Christian radio this morning, Jay Sekulow criticizing deputy[ies?] for not entering the Parkland school as the shooting rampage unfolded. It does seem cowardly & negligent to fail to act when lives are at stake.
And yet, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true -- if He was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and rose again, the only possible payment for my sins and the sins of all mankind -- how much more cowardly and negligent am I if I fail to share this Love and Truth at EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY?
Lord, help me to be all in, to make You my All in All. Friends, forgive me if I have failed to share His Love and Truth with you. I don't pretend to know everything (or much at all) about God, but I do know God, and I'll be happy to share what I know -- I'll even buy the coffee if you'd like to talk! :)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." -- John 3:16
I was listening to Christian radio this morning, Jay Sekulow criticizing deputy[ies?] for not entering the Parkland school as the shooting rampage unfolded. It does seem cowardly & negligent to fail to act when lives are at stake.
And yet, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true -- if He was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and rose again, the only possible payment for my sins and the sins of all mankind -- how much more cowardly and negligent am I if I fail to share this Love and Truth at EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY?
Lord, help me to be all in, to make You my All in All. Friends, forgive me if I have failed to share His Love and Truth with you. I don't pretend to know everything (or much at all) about God, but I do know God, and I'll be happy to share what I know -- I'll even buy the coffee if you'd like to talk! :)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." -- John 3:16
June 3, 2022
This was a good book. The authors style or writing is easy to digest and work through. He is not overly lofty in his writing but makes sure that the point he wants to make is clear and understood.
The contents of the book were good and definitely intended for a person newer in their faith but the beauty of simplicity is that it challenges all no mater what stage of faith or life. As a “seasoned” believer , with the help of Holy Spirit”, there were things that God revealed in my heart to work on.
His personal stories, once again, drove home the idea. They act as a bridge from the theology of it all to the practicality of daily living. Though it is not a step by step, it helps clarify how to live “All In”.
This was not my favorite but still worth the read.
The contents of the book were good and definitely intended for a person newer in their faith but the beauty of simplicity is that it challenges all no mater what stage of faith or life. As a “seasoned” believer , with the help of Holy Spirit”, there were things that God revealed in my heart to work on.
His personal stories, once again, drove home the idea. They act as a bridge from the theology of it all to the practicality of daily living. Though it is not a step by step, it helps clarify how to live “All In”.
This was not my favorite but still worth the read.
August 3, 2018
This is an awesome book for both new and experienced Christians.
Whether you need to light your fire for God or put some more wood down, this is great book to do just that.
Going ALL IN is about being consecrated and giving all that we have (i.e. time, money, ears, eyes, body, jobs, houses, family, all He has given us) to God.
Mark references a great deal of people in The Bible and people he met that went all in for God.
They sacrificed million dollar companies they built, inheritances promised to them, security, and family relationships among other things.
Because of this God showed up and showed out for them.
Whether you need to light your fire for God or put some more wood down, this is great book to do just that.
Going ALL IN is about being consecrated and giving all that we have (i.e. time, money, ears, eyes, body, jobs, houses, family, all He has given us) to God.
Mark references a great deal of people in The Bible and people he met that went all in for God.
They sacrificed million dollar companies they built, inheritances promised to them, security, and family relationships among other things.
Because of this God showed up and showed out for them.
February 27, 2017
My Rating 4.5. This is an inspiring and challenging book to help reshape and refocus the path of followers of Christ.
I suspected this would be an inspiring book to start the year and I was right. The author challenges the followers of Christ to go “all in”; to take a leap of faith; to make a decision to surrender everything and trust in God’s will and direction. In the very first section the author raises the question “Who’s Following Who”? The author observes that many Christians make their plans and expect God to follow when we should be seeking God’s plan so we can follow Him.
I think this challenge would be awesome and wonderful if put into practice at a young age; certainly before we choose a course of study, a career path, a mate for life. Sadly, that doesn’t happen so much. We have all made mistakes, seeking our own selfish desires, rather than waiting for God to lead, open doors or deliver the right mate. As Batterson notes, we are taught a fierce individual independence which is inconsistent with surrendering to our God. Fortunately, Batterson reminds the reader at the end that “God wants to do amazing things” and He can do them through us if we allow Him to.
It is not simple though to always know God’s Will. I fear that some people might read this book and be discouraged or feel guilty, although I am sure that Mr. Batterson does not intend that reaction. Rather he hopes to elicit a conviction… as he says, a decision.
If all believers truly commit to the complete message of Mr. Batterson’s book then we all might become like Mother Teresa. Even the author doesn’t live such a live and I don’t see that as the calling for each of us. However I do agree that we need to commit our lives to God and trust Him in ALL things. To me it means living a life of integrity and doing the very best job where I have been planted and sharing His love and the good news of His salvation. This determination has grown stronger in my life as I have grown in my understanding of God’s Word. It has been strengthened by the personal times I have experienced God’s hand in my life -- protecting me, blessing me (and my family) and delivering us from troubles, financially, physically and emotionally.
From beginning to end I made notes in this book; I underlined and highlighted. It is a book that I will look at often to remind me of where I need to be; who I need to trust; who is in control. I know that I have failed to respond to God’s nudging at times and I think the challenge and encouragement from this book will help me to focus and respond more readily.
Some people reading this book might make a major change in their lives. Others, myself included, see in it a recognition that we can do better in our daily lives. It is not always about doing a big thing, but it is always about doing even small things well and for the right reason – all to the glory of God. All of the ladies in book club agreed that this book motivates us to think differently and change, even if in small ways.
I suspected this would be an inspiring book to start the year and I was right. The author challenges the followers of Christ to go “all in”; to take a leap of faith; to make a decision to surrender everything and trust in God’s will and direction. In the very first section the author raises the question “Who’s Following Who”? The author observes that many Christians make their plans and expect God to follow when we should be seeking God’s plan so we can follow Him.
I think this challenge would be awesome and wonderful if put into practice at a young age; certainly before we choose a course of study, a career path, a mate for life. Sadly, that doesn’t happen so much. We have all made mistakes, seeking our own selfish desires, rather than waiting for God to lead, open doors or deliver the right mate. As Batterson notes, we are taught a fierce individual independence which is inconsistent with surrendering to our God. Fortunately, Batterson reminds the reader at the end that “God wants to do amazing things” and He can do them through us if we allow Him to.
It is not simple though to always know God’s Will. I fear that some people might read this book and be discouraged or feel guilty, although I am sure that Mr. Batterson does not intend that reaction. Rather he hopes to elicit a conviction… as he says, a decision.
If all believers truly commit to the complete message of Mr. Batterson’s book then we all might become like Mother Teresa. Even the author doesn’t live such a live and I don’t see that as the calling for each of us. However I do agree that we need to commit our lives to God and trust Him in ALL things. To me it means living a life of integrity and doing the very best job where I have been planted and sharing His love and the good news of His salvation. This determination has grown stronger in my life as I have grown in my understanding of God’s Word. It has been strengthened by the personal times I have experienced God’s hand in my life -- protecting me, blessing me (and my family) and delivering us from troubles, financially, physically and emotionally.
From beginning to end I made notes in this book; I underlined and highlighted. It is a book that I will look at often to remind me of where I need to be; who I need to trust; who is in control. I know that I have failed to respond to God’s nudging at times and I think the challenge and encouragement from this book will help me to focus and respond more readily.
Some people reading this book might make a major change in their lives. Others, myself included, see in it a recognition that we can do better in our daily lives. It is not always about doing a big thing, but it is always about doing even small things well and for the right reason – all to the glory of God. All of the ladies in book club agreed that this book motivates us to think differently and change, even if in small ways.
February 18, 2019
An inspiring book that will cause you to reconsider the general direction of your life. All means All! A great collection of stories and anecdotes that are intertwined with biblical principles and text. Highly recommend!
October 11, 2020
This book was incredibly repetitive and felt like one long 200 page motivational speech. I could have gotten the entire content of the book out of the introduction alone. I only finished it because I was reading it with my small group.
January 28, 2021
Way too many one-liners...
December 22, 2013
Mark Batterson in his new book, “All In” published by Zondervan tells us You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life.
From the back cover: The Gospel costs nothing, but it demands everything. It’s all or nothing.
If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.
Many people believe they are following Jesus but they have mistakenly invited Jesus to follow them. Mark Batterson calls it the inverted gospel. He challenges you to go all in and all out by fully surrendering your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That is when the true adventure begins.
Suppose you got on a train going Southbound then realized you were supposed to be on the Northbound train. Wouldn’t you completely vacate the Southbound train to get a seat on the correct Northbound train? Of course you would. It would be impossible to leave apart of you going South while the rest of you went North. That is exactly the point that Mark Batterson is trying to make. He believe that we have mistakenly asked Jesus to follow us instead of doing what Jesus told us which is to follow Him. In five sections, seventeen chapters Pastor Batterson explores how we need to get realigned with the Word of God. Once we vacate our old ways of thinking and acting then we need to be all in on the new ways without carrying over some of the polluted thoughts and actions we currently have. Pastor Batterson challenges us to stretch ourselves using the Word of God and convinces us to get off the bench and in the game. I think that everyone should have a copy of this book and give it as a gift to friends and family so that they can be properly aligned as well. Everyone will be better off for it.
You can find “All In” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ba...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: The Gospel costs nothing, but it demands everything. It’s all or nothing.
If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.
Many people believe they are following Jesus but they have mistakenly invited Jesus to follow them. Mark Batterson calls it the inverted gospel. He challenges you to go all in and all out by fully surrendering your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That is when the true adventure begins.
Suppose you got on a train going Southbound then realized you were supposed to be on the Northbound train. Wouldn’t you completely vacate the Southbound train to get a seat on the correct Northbound train? Of course you would. It would be impossible to leave apart of you going South while the rest of you went North. That is exactly the point that Mark Batterson is trying to make. He believe that we have mistakenly asked Jesus to follow us instead of doing what Jesus told us which is to follow Him. In five sections, seventeen chapters Pastor Batterson explores how we need to get realigned with the Word of God. Once we vacate our old ways of thinking and acting then we need to be all in on the new ways without carrying over some of the polluted thoughts and actions we currently have. Pastor Batterson challenges us to stretch ourselves using the Word of God and convinces us to get off the bench and in the game. I think that everyone should have a copy of this book and give it as a gift to friends and family so that they can be properly aligned as well. Everyone will be better off for it.
You can find “All In” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ba...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 6, 2013
Every so often comes forth a book that makes you reevaluate your entire life and what you are doing with your life. This is the third book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Mark Batterson. ALL IN by Mark Batterson is about just that. Going ALL IN with God. It's more than just going to church, a complete surrender.
This book has literally prompted me to do go a little further in my relationship with God. I realize that I've never completely surrendered to Christ. I've surrendered only so much. But for the most part, I think I've got it now. It's the little decisions of being ALL IN of being faithful to God.
Today I realized what one of the major idols are in my life. So I've dethroned it. I refuse to allow it to change my attitude, take my joy, or being before God in my life.
As you can see, the book has had quite the impact on my life. I recommend this book to any person looking to know how to feel completely fulfilled and how to realize the joy that God can provide.
This book will be released September 24, 2013 by Zondervan! Be on the lookout!
{FYI: I received this book from the publisher, in exchange for my HONEST review.}
This book has literally prompted me to do go a little further in my relationship with God. I realize that I've never completely surrendered to Christ. I've surrendered only so much. But for the most part, I think I've got it now. It's the little decisions of being ALL IN of being faithful to God.
Today I realized what one of the major idols are in my life. So I've dethroned it. I refuse to allow it to change my attitude, take my joy, or being before God in my life.
As you can see, the book has had quite the impact on my life. I recommend this book to any person looking to know how to feel completely fulfilled and how to realize the joy that God can provide.
This book will be released September 24, 2013 by Zondervan! Be on the lookout!
{FYI: I received this book from the publisher, in exchange for my HONEST review.}
July 26, 2016
I borrowed this book from the library but it's one I want to buy just to re-read it periodically. It's full of really good reminders like:
We are too Christian to enjoy sin & too sinful to enjoy Christ.
If the gift ever becomes more important than the Gift-Giver, then the very thing God gave you to serve His purposes is undermining His plan for your life.
Why do we act as though our sin disqualifies us from the grace of God? That is the ONLY thing that qualifies us!
We all want to spend eternity with God. We just don't want to spend time with Him.
We get stuck spiritually because we want more revelation before we obey more but God wants more obedience before He reveals more.
There is a little Judas in all of us.
The true value of an offering isn't measured by how much we give, it's measured by how much we keep.
You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.
When God says something more than once, you need to think twice about what it means.
The enemy wants you to keep your secrets in secret that's how he Blackmails us.
We are too Christian to enjoy sin & too sinful to enjoy Christ.
If the gift ever becomes more important than the Gift-Giver, then the very thing God gave you to serve His purposes is undermining His plan for your life.
Why do we act as though our sin disqualifies us from the grace of God? That is the ONLY thing that qualifies us!
We all want to spend eternity with God. We just don't want to spend time with Him.
We get stuck spiritually because we want more revelation before we obey more but God wants more obedience before He reveals more.
There is a little Judas in all of us.
The true value of an offering isn't measured by how much we give, it's measured by how much we keep.
You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.
When God says something more than once, you need to think twice about what it means.
The enemy wants you to keep your secrets in secret that's how he Blackmails us.
December 30, 2013
Mark Batterson makes a case for the fact that Christians often say they are following Jesus when they really are inviting Jesus to follow them. Many of us have “bought in” to Christianity but we haven’t “sold out.”
Missionaries a century ago bought a one way ticket on board a ship when going to the mission field. And they each packed all their belongings in a coffin. They didn’t expect to return.
Batterson says: “Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” (pg 13)
All In is a challenging book with many stories and biblical examples of those who did go “all in”; totally committed and giving their all to Christ. As I read this book two songs came to mind – “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no holding back” and “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee…”
This book will inspire and teach us how to consecrate ourselves to Him and do everything for His glory.
Missionaries a century ago bought a one way ticket on board a ship when going to the mission field. And they each packed all their belongings in a coffin. They didn’t expect to return.
Batterson says: “Jesus didn’t die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” (pg 13)
All In is a challenging book with many stories and biblical examples of those who did go “all in”; totally committed and giving their all to Christ. As I read this book two songs came to mind – “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no holding back” and “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee…”
This book will inspire and teach us how to consecrate ourselves to Him and do everything for His glory.
August 5, 2013
With a message similar to that of Crazy Love by Francis Chan or Radical by David Platt, Mark Batterson presents an invitation for Christians to live differently....to go all in for Christ. Most North American Christians are living comfortable lives and have made Christianity into something it was never meant to be. In his new book, All In, Mark Batterson challenges us to give Jesus our all - not just pick and choose the parts of Christianity that are comfortable.
I have not read any of Mark Batterson's other books so I can't compare his writing in this one to any others. I think this is a really good book with a really important message, but it's not the only book out there that's calling Christians into deeper commitment. The message of All In was not new to me and that's why I wasn't overly excited about this book.
I have not read any of Mark Batterson's other books so I can't compare his writing in this one to any others. I think this is a really good book with a really important message, but it's not the only book out there that's calling Christians into deeper commitment. The message of All In was not new to me and that's why I wasn't overly excited about this book.
October 18, 2013
You know, I think my biggest problem with this book is, since I go to Mark's church anyway, that I'd heard most of these stories before and explored many of these themes before. For whatever reason, unlike The Circle Maker, which felt fresh and insightful, this seemed smart and thoughtful but a little derivative of other things he's written.
Still, he never lacks in enthusiasm, nor does he lack for interesting stories and smart observations, particularly for those not looking to nitpick. Mark's theology is sound, properly understood, but his real goal is to inspire and to cause people to examine their hearts. That's trickier than merely getting things "right." In that sense, he's accomplished quite a lot. Particularly for those unfamiliar with his writings, this is very worthwhile.
Still, he never lacks in enthusiasm, nor does he lack for interesting stories and smart observations, particularly for those not looking to nitpick. Mark's theology is sound, properly understood, but his real goal is to inspire and to cause people to examine their hearts. That's trickier than merely getting things "right." In that sense, he's accomplished quite a lot. Particularly for those unfamiliar with his writings, this is very worthwhile.
November 29, 2013
Batterson challenges us to be the person God wants us to be: completely committed to Him in everything, ie, to be All In.
He uses great stories and powerful Biblical passages to emphasise different aspects of our lives where we struggle to be fully committed. And of course, no Mark Batterson book would be without many wonderful soundbites that the reader can highlight, add to their journal, tweet and/or post on FB. But more importantly these help you remember key points of the message. One of my favourite ones is:
"If you want God to do something new, you cannot keep doing what you've always done."
This is a challenging read as it's very difficult to stay seated on the bench once you realise the Biblical truth that Batterson is sharing. Read it and get ready to be shaken up and stirred to jump off the bench with renewed vigour.
He uses great stories and powerful Biblical passages to emphasise different aspects of our lives where we struggle to be fully committed. And of course, no Mark Batterson book would be without many wonderful soundbites that the reader can highlight, add to their journal, tweet and/or post on FB. But more importantly these help you remember key points of the message. One of my favourite ones is:
"If you want God to do something new, you cannot keep doing what you've always done."
This is a challenging read as it's very difficult to stay seated on the bench once you realise the Biblical truth that Batterson is sharing. Read it and get ready to be shaken up and stirred to jump off the bench with renewed vigour.
April 1, 2014
This book was a birthday gift. It was a light of encouragement for a stressful school week and left me reminded to work harder to give my all to the Lord and not only part of me. My biggest critique is that All In didn't delve in deep enough for my taste. I would read encouraging stories of radical missionaries and Bible stories, but I also wanted daily application outside of the extremes. How could one be radical as a homemaker in a small town? How could one be radical as a student with financial limitations and time needed to study? Surely being radical for one's faith does not always mean selling it all to go change the world. Ultimately, All In left me encouraged and inspired, but I wish it would have expanded a little bit more.
July 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and think I would enjoy hearing him preach. Batterson writes in a very conversational tone. He challenges us to follow Jesus by being all in, holding nothing back. Elisha burned his farm equipment to become a prophet. Of the 12 disciples, only John died a natural death.
"According to Jewish tradition, Noah didn't just start building the ark. He planted trees first. After they were fully grown, he cut down the trees, sawed them into planks and built the boat. That's going all out for God. It's not a sprint. It's a marathon."
"According to Jewish tradition, Noah didn't just start building the ark. He planted trees first. After they were fully grown, he cut down the trees, sawed them into planks and built the boat. That's going all out for God. It's not a sprint. It's a marathon."
October 24, 2015
Really interesting read . . . Going all in for God is not easy. It's not convenient. But He's worth it. He's our inconvenient savior and this book, although not a "how to", does point out some errors in our thinking and how it prevents us from going all in. I pick it up now and again and ponder a passage just to keep it fresh in my mind.
November 9, 2015
ALL IN is a fantastic book. Mark Batterson effortlessly weaves biblical truths and personal anecdotes to make a compelling case for people to stop living on the sidelines of spiritual life--and life in general--and give our all to Jesus. The author's voice is exciting and energetic, leaving you with a sense of renewed purpose and focus. Highly recommend this book to rev up your outlook on life.
November 24, 2021
Audiobook. Interesting, but seemed more like a Batterson idea...then he picked and chose his scripture references to match the message of the book. Some excellent parts, but I would prefer a book where a specific section of scripture is the star. Not focused on one theme / passage of scripture so it comes off as a self help book!
October 4, 2013
I've read many of Batterson's books. The Circle Maker is my favorite book this year. However, I felt that this book was not as insightful. It's still worth the read, but not as good as some of his others.
February 6, 2014
What an amazing depiction of how going All In with God is about you putting all your chips at the center of the table and Trusting him! Mark, this book has changed my life and given me a new understanding about going All In.
June 1, 2014
All In
Truly an inspiring work. I started reading this book for a church Small Group study, but I finished it on my own because I enjoyed reading it. Mark Batterson has a way of writing that flames the fires of faith in his readers.
Truly an inspiring work. I started reading this book for a church Small Group study, but I finished it on my own because I enjoyed reading it. Mark Batterson has a way of writing that flames the fires of faith in his readers.
June 13, 2015
Great awakening to my soul.
Amazing thoughts on fully surrendering our life to God. Gives great hope and promise to us if we will only give our all to God. This will awaken your heart, soul and mind for the one true God of all.
Amazing thoughts on fully surrendering our life to God. Gives great hope and promise to us if we will only give our all to God. This will awaken your heart, soul and mind for the one true God of all.
June 28, 2022
If you want to pick a fight with laziness in your faith, go all in and watch God use you like never before.
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